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Archive for February, 2013

Implementing Radon Mitigation in Schools in South Bend

South Bend, IN is an area that may be at a higher risk of threat from radon gas. Recently, studies have proven that 70,000 schools nationwide have been shown to have elevated levels of radon gas in at least one classroom. This calculates out to about one out of every five schools having at least one classroom with high levels of radon gas.

Too fully understand the need of radon mitigation in schools in South Bend, we must take a look at how radon gas enters buildings, and its threat level to the safety of our children. First of all, radon is a naturally occurring gas that forms in the soil from broken down uranium. Uranium is also naturally occurring, and breaks down naturally. As the radon forms, it is in a gaseous state which means it can enter through the smallest of spaces such as through the building’s foundation. As radon enters through the foundation, your school or building is effectively becoming contaminated with radon gas.

Radon Mitigation in Schools for South Bend, IN

So what is the big deal about radon gas? Radon gas kills about 20,000 people each year through causing lung cancer. It is necessary to have a professional conduct radon mitigation in schools if your school has high levels in South Bend, but not all schools are testing or having a mitigation system installed. Radon gas is odorless and colorless, so the only way to know for certain whether or not a South Bend school has high levels of radon gas is by having a test conducted.

Once a test is conducted, a professional should have a better idea of the levels of radon gas in your South Bend School, and be able to pinpoint the problem areas. With a plan of action, a professional may reduce levels of radon gas by as much as 99%. If you are unaware of whether or not your child’s school in South Bend, IN has high levels of radon gas, then you should help support a bill to pass which provides schools with grant funding for radon testing, and radon mitigation in schools.

A congressman from Iowa is trying to pass a bill in which grant funding would be provided to all schools for both radon testing, and radon mitigation in schools as needed. If you have a child, or are concerned about the safety of children in schools, then you should contact your local South Bend Politician, and tell them to support this bill.

Whether you work in a school, have a child who goes to school, or are just concerned with the health of millions of children, action needs to be taken in order to reduce the risk of cancer for so many which are affected by high levels of radon gas. Act now, and start a letter writing campaign, urging politicians to provide the funding to make our schools safe with radon mitigation in schools.